AeroAstro and MechE, Building 31

A longstanding resource for AeroAstro and MechE innovators, Building 31 has been transformed into an inspiring, collaborative space for research in autonomy, turbomachinery, energy storage, and transportation.

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AeroAstro and MechE, Building 31

70 Vassar Street (Rear), Cambridge, MA

Status:Complete

Themes:Renovation and renewalSustainabilityEnhancement of life and learning

Completion:2017

A longstanding resource for AeroAstro and MechE innovators, Building 31 has been transformed into an inspiring, collaborative space for research in autonomy, turbomachinery, energy storage, and transportation.

Overview

Status

Complete

Completion Date

2017

Themes and priorities

Renovation and renewal

Sustainability

Enhancement of life and learning

Since its construction in 1929, Building 31 has been the site of key research advances in the fields of engine design, advanced propulsion systems, and fluid mechanics. Currently occupied by the Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics and the Department of Mechanical Engineering, the building supports the activities of approximately 150 faculty, students, and researchers.

The facility’s original three sections (its east and west wings, and a high bay area) were all built at separate times. Before the renovation, none of the floors aligned between the sections, and the building had no elevators, making internal circulation and movement challenging.

The renewal of Building 31 modernized its structure and systems while also addressing MechE and AeroAstro programming needs. Enhancements include new and renewed office, lab, and common spaces as well as the new Kresa Center for Autonomous Systems – an 80 ft. by 40 ft. space with 25-ft. ceilings, custom designed for MIT’s work with all types of autonomous vehicles, including rotor and fixed-wing aircraft. The building also features indoor test spaces for unpiloted aerial vehicles, a roof deck for flying robotics, and upgraded, relocated supersonic and subsonic tunnels.

Structural reconfigurations in Building 31 are designed to add capacity and encourage collaboration by connecting the different areas within the building. The reconstructed and expanded main entry provides distinctive introductions to each department and resolves circulation issues with improved way-finding. The project is seeking LEED Gold certification.

New central entry for building, more prominent departmental entries, and way-finding improvements throughout to enhance access, strengthen departmental identity, and improve interdepartmental communication and collaboration

Reconstruction and expansion of several structural bays in high bay area across building’s south side (front); includes two new floors built to connect the east and west wings, facilitating movement from one part of the building to another and adding capacity for student seating and work space

New bridge to Building 37 at third floor, connecting AeroAstro space in both buildings

New and reconfigured stairwells (west wing, high bay area) and two new elevators (west wing, east wing) to improve circulation and enable better access to various areas within the building